3D mesenchymal stem/stromal cell osteogenesis and autocrine signalling

► Stem Cell Technologies Aggrewells™ were surface modified by applying layers of Chitosan and Hyaluronic acid. ► Surface modification resulted in superior aggregate formation, even in serum containing medium. ► 3D MSC osteogenesis outperformed conventional 2D monolayer cultures. ► BMP-2 was significantly upregulated in 3D MSC microaggregates regardless of media composition. ► Increased BMP-2 autocrine signalling in 3D microaggregates appears to enhance MSC osteogenesis.